Every year, people in southwest China's Yunnan Province expect a special scenery: Small flowers with three translucent petals floating on the waters of the Lugu Lake, creating an unforgettable natural view against the backdrop of blue sky and clear water. The little flower is called "acuminate ottelia," an aquatic plant species endemic to China.

Acuminate ottelia can be found in lakes, ponds, ditches and deep-water paddy fields in Yunnan, Guizhou, Hainan provinces, and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. This plant is very sensitive to water quality, thus it is protected under class-three state protection as its population is shrinking due to water pollution.

The Lugu Lake is famous for its high-quality water, providing a good environment for the acuminate ottelias to grow. During the plant's blooming period between May and October, clusters of delicate flowers with three translucent, bi-colored petals float on water, attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world.

Except for its beauty, the plant species has other uses as well. Its roots absorb elements like nitrogen and phosphorus, thus purifying the water.

Although this is an exquisite and adorable plant, it cannot be artificially bred since it requires very high-quality living environment. Therefore, we should all make efforts to reduce water pollution so that we can enjoy its soothing beauty forever.

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(Cover image via VCG, designed by CGTN's Li Yueyun)

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